Georgia Tech Develops Game-Changing Cathode for Electric Vehicles

A research team at Georgia Tech has unveiled a revolutionary low-cost iron chloride (FeCl3) cathode that could transform lithium-ion batteries, significantly reducing costs and enhancing efficiency for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, SciTech Daily revealed recently.

Led by Hailong Chen, the team claims this new cathode, costing just 1-2% of traditional materials, can store the same amount of electricity while improving performance and sustainability.

Currently, batteries account for about 50% of an EV’s total cost, making them pricier than internal combustion vehicles. The FeCl3 cathode, used in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, could lower costs by 30-40%. Unlike conventional batteries, which use liquid electrolytes, this new design promises increased safety and energy capacity.

Chen’s team, which includes collaborators from multiple institutions, is optimistic about the technology’s commercial viability within five years. This breakthrough could not only make EVs more affordable but also enhance the resilience of the electrical grid.